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Tire Registration

Winter Tire FAQs

Winter tires are designed for optimal safety on any winter road conditions – dry but frozen, rain, ice and snow. They should then be mounted on your vehicle as soon as the temperature falls consistently below freezing. Replace Winter by Summer or All Season Tires as soon as temperatures go consistently above freezing.

The miles you will drive on winter tires are miles that your non-winter tires will save. Winter tires are usually near the same price if not lower than summer tires. Considering that you will need to buy at least one set of tires during the life of your vehicle, buying winter tires right from the beginning will represent the same money invested at the end, but you will benefit from a better performance in winter weather conditions and increased security.

The price of a tire depends on the car needs & the product line(MICHELIN® Latitude® X-Ice Xi2, MICHELIN® Primacy™ Alpin® PA3™, MICHELIN® Pilot® Alpin® PA3™, MICHELIN® Pilot® Alpin® PA2™) and also the size of the rims on your vehicle. The selling retailer establishes pricing on tires. For pricing on our tires please contact your local participating dealer. A listing of dealers can be found by utilizing the dealer locator link on michelin-man.com or in your local Yellow Pages under the category – Tire Dealers Retail

Braking distances can be up to eight times longer on winter roads. On a dry surface 26 feet will be required to stop a vehicle running 30 mph, 52 feet on wet, 104 feet on dry packed snow & 208 feet on ice.

Winter tire tread will show numerous sipes that will allow for a better control on winter driving conditions. They are marked with the severe snow marking (3 peak mountain with snowflake) and M+S marking on their sidewall

In order to optimize the performances of our products and obtain a perfect homogeneity between the front and rear axles, we recommend that 4 identical tires be mounted on a vehicle (same brand, same tire model, same load and speed indexes)

In order to deliver MICHELIN® Total Performance™ in all products, Michelin uses the finest grades of material combined with patented mixing technologies to be able to achieve the best possible performances in multiple domains. MICHELIN® tires are designed to maximize your safety and driving pleasure.

No, if the size of the winter tires is the same as the summer tires, there is no obligation to change rims or wheels. If the size is different you may have to change rims. Check the size and diameter recommended for your car. On the other hand, buying additional rims can be an investment in reducing future fees of mounting and demounting.

It is quite common and permissible during winter driving to use a winter tire with a lesser speed rating than the O.E. tire. If a lower speed rated tire is selected, then the vehicle top speed becomes limited to that of the lower speed rating selected. The customer must be informed of the new speed restriction.

Nothing has a greater impact on a tire's safety, performance, longevity, treadwear and even your overall vehicle handling and gas mileage than tire air pressure! Not only can the wrong air pressure damage your tires, it can also be dangerous. Underinflation can increase flexing, causing your tires to generate excessive heat build up leading to potential failure. Overinflation makes your tires firmer and more prone to damage from potholes and other road hazards. Don't forget: your tires are your only contact with the road. If you want them to work well, make sure they're inflated properly!

It is recommended that winter tires be applied on all four positions. Winter tires can be installed only on the rear axle of a rear wheel drive vehicle. If winter tires are installed only on the rear axle of a rear wheel drive vehicle, vehicle stability may be significantly impacted. In winter conditions, the front axle will have significantly less traction and result in increased understeer. In dry and wet conditions the rear axle may have significantly less traction and results in increased oversteer. Winter tires may not be only installed on the front axle. If they are installed on the front axle of any vehicle, they MUST also be installed on the rear axle. Without winter tires on the rear, vehicle handling can be adversely affected. This may result in loss of vehicle control that could cause serious injury or death.

Technical Info and Definitions

It is recommended that the replacement tire size speed rating be equal to the O.E. tire size speed rating. If a lower speed rated tire is selected, then the vehicle top speed becomes limited to that of the lower speed rating selected. The customer must be informed of the new speed restriction. It is quite common and permissible during winter driving to use a winter tire with a lesser speed rating than the O.E. tire. Again the customer must be informed as mentioned above

Tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, it is recommended that all tires be of the same size, construction (radial,non-radial) and speed rating. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the same size, type and speed ratings need to be placed on the same axle, the tires with the lower speed rating will be the determining factor for permissible tire related vehicle speed. Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle. Get specific information from your Dealer

Winter tires are designed for cold weather use only. Usually when average daily temperatures are consistently approach freezing. While the tire operates just fine in warmer conditions, it will wear out very quickly.

Therefore, the life of the tread is impacted by the amount of driving performed in warmer conditions since the rubber compounds that give this tire winter grip are not designed to withstand non-winter conditions over the long-term. In short, winter tires used in the summer wear out very rapidly.

Please remember, Plus Sizing must be taken with proper care. When replacing tires with optional size designations, be sure to check vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations (found in owner’s manual or on door sticker). Interchangeability is not always possible because of difference in load ratings, tire dimensions, wheel well clearance and rim size.

Contact a participating tire retailer that is trained to assist you with plus sizing.

The rim width range is extremely important. This range represents proper rim widths that will assist the tire/wheel assembly in meeting its performance potential. To achieve the best balance between ride, handling and tread wear, select a rim width in the middle of the manufacturer’s range.

To improve cornering traction and steering response, choose a rim at or near the maximum recommended width. The wider the rim width, the straighter the sidewall and the quicker the steering response. Conversely, using a rim width at the low end of the range will cause the tire to balloon or curve out, slowing steering response.

The side of a tire contains information needed for your safety and that of your customer. Being able to read sidewall markings will help you better understand the performance of each tire. It will also provide you with information when mounting and servicing the tire.

Passenger Tire Sizing
Three primary sizing systems exist for passenger tires today: P-Metric, European Metric and Millimetric. Each of these systems evolved from the first tire sizing system-the Numeric Sizing system-that is now obsolete. It was developed when all tires had the same aspect ratio, and it provided only the nominal cross section width of the tire and the rim diameter in inches. The following are examples that identify the three sizing systems that are commonly seen today.

P-Metric
The P-Metric sizing system was developed to better align with the European tire sizing system. It provides a better description of the tire size. See examples below.

P215/65SR15, P215/65R15, P215/65R15 95S

P

=

Passenger Car Tire

215

=

Section width in Millimetres

65

=

Aspect Ratio

R

=

Radial Construction

15

=

Rim Diameter in Inches

95S

=

Service Description (Load Index and Speed Rating)

European Metric
Essentially, this system was a conversion of the Numeric system from inches to millimeters. Aspect ratio appears in the size designation in most cases where it is other than 82.

155SR13, 155SR13, 155SR13 78S

155

=

Section width in Millimetres

S

=

Speed Rating

R

=

Radial Construction

13

=

Rim Diameter in Inches

78S

=

Service Description (Load Index and Speed Rating)

185/70SR14, 185/70R14, 185/70R14 88S

185

=

Section width in Millimetres

70

=

Aspect Ratio

S

=

Speed Rating

R

=

Radial Construction

14

=

Rim Diameter in Inches

88S

=

Service Description (Load Index and Speed Rating)

Light Truck Tire Sizing

Sizing for light truck tires takes the performance requirements of the vehicle, and the tires, into account. Light truck tires have evolved along with the expanded applications of trucks and vans that have grown to be multi-purpose vehicles that we use for work, for recreation or as passenger vehicles. There are three primary light truck tire sizing systems: Light Truck Metric, Light Truck High Floatation and Light Truck Numeric.

Light Truck Metric
This sizing system mirrors the P-Metric system for passenger tires.

LT235/75R15 LRC

LT

=

Light Truck Designation

235

=

Section width in Millimetres

75

=

Aspect Ratio

R

=

Radial Construction

15

=

Rim Diameter in Inches

LRC

=

Load Range

Light Truck High Flotation
Light truck high flotation tires have evolved as lower aspect ratio tires became more popular on light trucks. The combination of lower aspect ratios and high flotation yielded better traction on sand and soft soil found in off-road situations.

31x10.50R15LT LRC

31

=

Tire Overall Diameter in Inches

10.50

=

Section width in Inches

R

=

Radial Construction

15

=

Rim dIAMETER IN iNCHES

LT

=

Light Truck Designation

LRC

=

Load Range

Light Truck Numeric
This older system is still widely used, mostly on commercial vehicles.

DOT signifies that the tire complies with the United States Department of Transportation tire safety standards, and is approved for highway use.

Example:
DOT M5H3 459X 065

The first two digits following DOT designate the tire's manufacturer and plant code. The third and fourth characters denote the tire size. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (optional) characters identify the brand and other significant characteristics of the tire. The ninth and tenth characters denote the week the tire was produced. The final number(s) signifies the year in which the tire was manufactured.

For Michelin brand tires, DOT markings related to the week and year of production will have an additional symbol for the decade of the 1990s. It will be shown as a triangle following these last three numbers.

EXAMPLE: 065

This would designate the 6th week of 1995.

Beginning in year 2000, an additional digit was added to the serial number to allow the year of production to have two digits.

DOT BEHY TTLX 0800

This ninth & tenth digits still indicate the week of manufacture while 00 indicates year 2000.

A tire is mounted on the appropriate rim width as identified by T&RA (Tire &Rim Association) or ETRTO (European Technical Rim & Tire Organization) then inflated to 26 psi. A calibrated measurement tape is run around the circumference of the tire in the center of the tread (which represents the largest overall diameter). This measurement of circumference is then divided by the mathematical constant known as PI (3.14126...) to calculate the diameter.

Zero pressure tires are designed to operate for a limited time with little or no air pressure without causing damage to the tire casing. In order to realize the zero pressure benefits, the tires must be mounted on proper wheels and the wheels must be equipped with an operational, Michelin-approved low tire air pressure warning system.

Tires with directional tread patterns must be mounted so that the primary direction of rotation matches the directional arrows on the tire sidewall. If all four tires are the same size, directional tires can be rotated front to back.

Tires with tread patterns that are both asymmetric and directional require left and right specific tires. Sidewall markings will identify the side of the vehicle and the primary direction of rotation for the tire. If all four tires are the same size, they can be rotated front to back.

P-metric sized tires are those with the "P" at the beginning of the tire size (such as P215/65R16). P-metric sizes were introduced in the United States in the late 70s and are installed on vehicles primarily used to carry passengers including cars, station wagons, sport utility vehicles and even light duty pickup trucks. Their load capacity is based on an engineering formula which takes into account their physical size (the volume of space for air inside the tire) and the amount of air pressure (how tightly the air molecules are compressed). Since all P-metric sizes are all based on the formula for load, vehicle manufacturers can design their new vehicles (weights and wheelwell dimensions) around either existing or new tire sizes.

Metric or Euro metric sized tires are the ones without the "P" at the beginning, (such as 215/65R16). Using metric dimensions to reflect a tire's width actually began in Europe in the late 60s. However, since Euro metric sizes have been added over time based on the load and dimensional requirements of new vehicles, the tire manufacturers designed many new tire sizes and load capacities around the needs of new vehicles. Not quite as uniform as creating sizes using a formula, but they got the job done.

Euro metric and P-metric tires in the same size (i.e. P215/65R16 and 215/65R16) are equivalent in their dimensions with just slight differences in their load capacity calculations and inflation pressure tables.

Excessive wheel spinning, when freeing a vehicle from sand, mud, snow, gravel, ice or wet surfaces, can result in explosive tire failure, causing serious personal injury or vehicle damage. Do not exceed 35 MPH, as indicated on the speedometer. Never stand near, or behind, a tire spinning at high speeds when attempting to push a vehicle that is stuck.

The speed rating of a tire indicates the speed category (or range of speeds) at which the tire can carry a load under specified service conditions. The speed rating system used today was developed in Europe in response to the need to categorize tires into standardized speeds. A letter from A to Z symbolizes a tire's certified speed rating, ranging from 5km/h (3 mph) to above 300 km/h (186 mph).

Our strategy is to manufacture tires in the country where they will be sold whenever possible. In fact, the vast majority of our products sold in North America, are built in the 21 plants we have across the United States, Canada and Mexico, employing most of the 23,000 employees of Michelin North America, Inc. However, we are an international company, with manufacturing operations at 74 plants across 19 countries around the world. To meet the needs of our customers by providing more specialized tire lines in smaller quantities, we import some tire lines into North America and we export others from North America.

Please be assured that no matter where your tires are manufactured, they are built to the standards that have made our products the benchmark for the industry.

The "DOT" symbol certifies the tire manufacturer's compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety standards. Tires manufactured for use in the United States have the full DOT serial number located on one sidewall near the rim. A partial DOT serial number will appear on the opposite side of the tire.

For additional information on Tweel, visit www.michelinmedia.com. You will not be able to download hi-res images, this is reserved for the media, but you should find the information you are looking for.

Tire Care and Maintenance

Never try to mount your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to the tire and rim.

Special treatment is not required for your new tires. However, drive carefully while you get accustomed to them. You may feel a difference when accelerating, braking, cornering or possibly driving in wet conditions.

We cannot test all products being marketed today, and do not certify or endorse any of these after-market products for efficiency or compatibility.

Because some of these products may degrade the inner liner of tires, caution should be taken. The long term effect of these products is unknown (chemical reaction when exposed to pressure, temperature and time).

Because some of these products may be flammable, we strongly urge you to advise a tire dealer of the use of these products before having the tire and wheel serviced. Failure to do so could lead to serious injury or death.

Please refer to the warnings and instructions provided by the manufacturers of these products regarding their use.

Each tire has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. That number begins with the letters "DOT" and may contain up to 12 additional numbers and letters.

The first and last digits are the most important:

The first two letters or numbers identify the tire’s manufacturer and plant code.

Prior to the year 2000, the last 3 digits of a DOT number represented the week (2 digits) and the year (1 digit) of production. So if the last three digits are 439, the tire was produced in the 43rd week of 1999.

Tires produced after January 1, 2000, have a 4-digit date code at the end of the DOT number. The first 2 digits represent the week of production and the last 2 digits represent the last 2 digits of the year of production. So, 3500 indicates the tire was produced in the 35th week of the year 2000.

Although bar code label removal is not necessary for the safe and efficient use of the tire, it may be necessary to remove the label for aesthetic reasons. The 16mm by 40mm bar code label on the lower sidewall may be difficult to remove from some tires. Please advise your tire dealer that label removal may be facilitated by applying with a cotton swab a small amount of paint thinner (mineral spirits) to the label on a MOUNTED INFLATED tire. Then, carefully pry under the center of the label with a flat-bladed screw driver to remove it. Your dealer will do this slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the tire. After the label has been removed by this procedure, the tire should be carefully inspected.

We are currently perfecting a more readily removable bar code label. In the meantime, the above procedure provides an effective method of removing the occasional "stubborn" bar code label from the tires when necessary.

A limited mileage warranty applies to tires that came as original equipment beginning with the model year 2011 and later.

However, any tire wear concern should always be presented to your local authorized dealers for further evaluation.

Many of our authorized retailers offer specific mileage warranties on several lines of tires sold as replacement tires, including some tires that are used as original equipment. These mileage warranties are administered based on the retail outlets verification of proper tire maintenance having been performed.

That’s why exact mileage is impossible to predict. Take special care when braking, accelerating, cornering, etc., to help increase the life of the tire. (Owning tires with Michelin’s technology doesn’t hurt either.) If you have concerns about the rate of wear on your tires, consult your local authorized Michelin retailer.

Tires should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight, sources of heat and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators. Exposure to these elements during prolonged periods of time will exhaust the tire's oxidation and weathering agents within the rubber compounds and result in cracking. Be sure that surfaces on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline or other substances that could deteriorate the rubber.

For mounted tires inflate at, but no higher than, the recommended air pressure. Store vehicle on blocks to remove load from the tires.

If a tire loses all or most of its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it's not damaged. Tires that are run even short distances while flat are often damaged beyond repair. Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to 1/4 inch -- confined to the tread -- may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved methods. Don't repair tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch, or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tires which are worn below 2/32 inch tread depth. Your best bet is to make sure your spare tire is always ready to do the job. Check it regularly for proper air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape. If your car is equipped with one of the several types of temporary spares, be sure to check the spare tire's sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed, and mileage limitations. See your dealer for expert tire repair.

New tires have to be driven a few hundred miles on dry roads to rid the tread of parting agents and antioxidants applied during production. Not until the tread has been slightly roughened will the tire be able to make its true gripping power felt.

Tread wear indicators ("wear bars") are located at the base of the main grooves and are equally spaced around the tire. The tread wear indicators, which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when that point of wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the tire is worn out and it's time to replace the tire. Always remove tires from service when they reach a remaining tread depth of two thirty-seconds of an inch (2/32"). Another easy way to check is to do the penny test. Take a penny and place it with Lincoln's head down in the tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it is time to replace your tires.

Never choose a smaller size than those that came with the car. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation, with approved or greater load carrying capacity -- or approved options -- as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or authorized dealer

Proper balancing is critical for optimal vehicle performance, especially at today's higher highway speeds. When tire and wheel assemblies are unbalanced, a vibration can result from wheel and assembly shimmy (shaking from side to side) or wheel assembly tramp (tire and wheel hopping up and down). Therefore, it is important that these assemblies are in both static and dynamic balance

When installing a different size than the original equipment tire, all vehicle manufacturer specifications must be maintained. The replacement tire should be inflated to provide the same load capability of the original tire size at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Please contact one of our Consumer Care agents to determine the correct pressure for the optional tire size that you are installing or visit your local tire retailer for assistance.

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tire and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle many need a "front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. The moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned can more than pay for itself in tire mileage, performance and comfort.

The vehicle manufacturer selects the size and type of tires for their vehicles. They perform the necessary testing to establish the vehicles’ optimized operating tire inflation pressures which can be found on the vehicle placard (located on the inside of the driver's door) and in the vehicle owners’ manual.

If the tires on your vehicle are the same size as the original equipment tire, inflate them to the pressures indicated on the placard.

If the size of the tires is different than the size indicated on the placard, please contact us via phone or email for a pressure recommendation. We will need the following information from the tire and wheel placard:

While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.

Lower inflation pressures for improved flotation are permitted ONLY if the tire maintains adequate load-carrying capacity at the lower pressure. 20 psi is the minimum recommended pressure for a passenger or light truck tire. Pressures lower than 20 psi may be used off the road when speeds are less than 15 MPH and when the tire has adequate load-carrying capacity at the lower pressure.

The best recommendation for highway use is to follow the inflation pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer which can be found in the owner’s manual or on the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door.

When installing a different size than the original equipment tire, the replacement tire should be inflated to provide the same load capability of the original tire size at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Nitrogen is an inert gas. It is simply dry air with the oxygen removed (air contains nearly 79% Nitrogen). The physical properties of nitrogen reduce the pressure loss due to the natural permeability of the materials of the tire. Unfortunately, there are other possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface, valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel) which prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for individuals using air or nitrogen inflation. Tires manufactured by Michelin are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as, the user respects the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle's placard or by the tire manufacturer. Whether they are inflated with air or nitrogen, regular pressure maintenance remains critical because under-inflated tires lead to:

In addition to performing regular maintenance, you must also keep an eye out for potential problems that might affect your tires. Regular inspections can help you prevent tire trouble, and keep you rolling safely down the road.
When inspecting your tires, look for:

Uneven tread wear : This can include more wear on one tread edge than the other, a rippled pattern of high and low wear, or exposed steel wire. Uneven wear can be caused by problems such as underinflation, misalignment and improper balancing.

Shallow tread : Bald tires tend to skid and slide on the pavement, and are more likely to be damaged by potholes and other road hazards. The tread on your tire should be at least 2/32 of an inch deep. If it isn’t, the tire must be replaced. To help you see tread problems, tires have built-in “tread wear indicators.” These are narrow bars of smooth rubber that run across the tread: When the tread is even with the bars, it is worn down to the minimum level and must be replaced immediately.

You can also perform a simple test using a US penny. Put the edge of the coin into the tread, with Lincoln going in head first. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, that’s good. If the top of his head is entirely visible, it’s time to replace the tire.

Troublemakers : Check for small stones, pieces of glass, bits of metal and other foreign objects that might be wedged into the tread, and carefully pick them out. They can cause serious problems if they are pushed farther into your tire as you drive.

Damaged areas : Cracks, cuts, splits, punctures, holes and bulges in the tread or on the sides of the tire can indicate serious problems, and the tire may need to be replaced.
Slow leaks. Tires lose some air pressure (about 2 psi) over the course of a month or so, but if you find that you have to add air every few days, have the tire, wheel and valve checked—and if necessary, repair or replace the tire.

Valve caps : Those little caps on your tire’s valve stem keep moisture and dirt out, so make sure they are on all your tires. Also, when you have a tire replaced, have a new valve stem assembly installed at the same time.

Driving on a damaged tire can be dangerous. If you see something you’re not sure about during your inspection, have it examined by your tire dealer. Any time you see damage to a tire, don’t drive on it—use a spare if you need to go somewhere. And finally, pay attention to the “feel” of your tires as you drive. A rough ride may indicate tire damage or excessive wear. If you notice vibrations or other disturbances while driving, and/or you suspect possible damage to your tire or vehicle, immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road and stop, and inspect your tires. If a tire is damaged, deflate it and replace it with your spare. If you do not see any tire damage and cannot identify the source of the vibration, take the vehicle to a tire dealer for a thorough inspection.

Air pressure in tires, including the spare, should be checked at least monthly and always before extended driving. Tires should be checked when they are cold (at least three hours after the vehicle has been stopped and before it is driven more than one mile). Do not reduce pressure when tires are hot; use an accurate air pressure gauge to check pressure and maintain it at the level recommended on the vehicle tire vehicle placard or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Under-inflation produces extreme flexing of the tire and builds up heat to the point that tire failure may occur. Over- or under-inflation may adversely affect vehicle handling. Cold tire pressures should never be higher than the limit molded on the sidewall.

While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.

For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).

The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire which begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “2204” indicates a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.

Worn tires should be replaced by trained personnel when 2/32nds of an inch of tread depth remains, as indicated by tread wear indicators molded into the tread grooves. Use of worn out tires [less than 2/32nds inch (1.6 mm) remaining of tire tread depth] increases the probability of tire failure, and in wet conditions can cause the tire to lose traction suddenly. In most states, it is illegal to drive with less than 2/32nds of an inch of remaining tread depth.

Michelin recommends replacing all four tires at the same time, however if replacing only two new tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size & tire type as the current tires and that the dealer always installs the new tires on the rear axle of the vehicle. Click here for more information

Why Put the 2 New Tires on the Rear Axle?

The New tires will provide better wet grip than your half-worn tires.

It will help reduce the potential for the vehicle to oversteer and lose stability in wet conditions

The tire size and tread design that was originally equipped on your vehicle may be used on other vehicles, some of which being heavier than others, therefore requiring higher air pressure for additional load carrying capacity.

The maximum pressure on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum pressure for the tire. The manufacturer of the vehicle has determined the appropriate air pressure for the application based on vehicle weight, to provide the best ride, tread wear, performance, etc. For applications such as towing, pulling, hauling, etc., air pressure should be increased accordingly.

Tire Replacement

Mixing speed ratings on a vehicle is not recommended. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the lower speed-rated tires should be placed on the front axle. This is to prevent a potential oversteer condition. Vehicle handling may be affected, and the vehicle’s speed capacity is now limited to the lowest speed-rated tire.

For best all-around performance, the same type tire should be used on all four-wheel positions. Tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. NOTE: Some vehicles are intentionally fitted with different size tires on front and rear.

For four-wheel drive vehicles, if no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner’s manual, adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not mix sizes. All four tires must be branded with the same tire size.

Do not mix radial and bias-ply tires. All four must be either radial or bias-ply.

Be sure that the outside circumference of all four tires is within 1” of each other.

When replacing speed-rated tires, you must use replacement tires with ratings equal to or greater than those of the original equipment tires, if the speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. The handling of a performance vehicle may be different when the replacement tires are not the same speed rating. Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual to identify any tire speed rating restriction that could affect operation of the vehicle.

Never choose a tire that is smaller in size or has less load-carrying capacity than the tire that came with the vehicle. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation — or approved options — as recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer. The correct tire size can be found on the door placard of the vehicle or by consulting your local authorized Michelin retailer. Your current tires’ size can be found by reading the markings on the sidewall.

All new MICHELIN® tires purchased after March 1, 2011, are backed by the Michelin Promise Plan™, which includes a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, Flat Tire Changing Assistance and a Limited Mileage Warranty. Take the tire to your local authorized Michelin® dealer and have them properly inspect the tire. Tell the dealer what you are experiencing so they can diagnose the problem.

Michelin recommends replacing all four tires at the same time, however if replacing only two new tires, be sure that the new tires are the same size & tire type as the current tires and that the dealer always installs the new tires on the rear axle of the vehicle. Click here for more information

Why Put the 2 New Tires on the Rear Axle?

The New tires will provide better wet grip than your half-worn tires.

It will help reduce the potential for the vehicle to fishtail and lose stability in wet conditions

Safety Recall Information

Michelin is recalling one version of a specific size of the Michelin LTX M/S tire. These tires are typically found on such vehicles as commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small RVs and some large pickup trucks. Detailed information about the recall can be found at www.michelinman.com/safetyrecall.

Michelin Tires has issued a voluntary safety recall on several sizes of its LTX M/S2, X Radial LT2 & Latitude Tour tires. Detailed information about the recall can be found at www.michelinman.com/voluntarysafetyrecall

Warranty

There may be a circumstance where air loss can be covered by warranty, however, this can only be determined when inspected by a tire professional an a Michelin authorized dealer.

Some common causes of sudden or slow air loss that are not covered by warranty are:

Road hazard injuries (punctures, cuts, impact damage to the liner, ply material or sidewall rubber).
Valve stem or core air loss form damage, loose or aged rubber stem.
Air loss from the bead seating area (corrosive buildup on the wheels which prevents a proper seal between the wheel flange and the tire beads, bead seating area damage from accidental mounting or dismounting, foreign material between the rim flange area and the tire bead seating area, bent rim flange).

Our passenger and light truck tires, used in the normal service on the vehicle on which they were originally fitted and in accordance with the maintenance recommendations and safety warnings contained in the Passenger and Light Truck Limited Warranty are covered by this warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or six years from date of purchase, whichever comes first. At this time, all warranties, expressed or implied, expire. Replacement will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions described below.

A tire which becomes unserviceable due to a condition covered by this workmanship and materials limited warranty will be replaced with a comparable new tire, free of charge, when 2/32nds of an inch or less of the original tread is worn, (or 25% or less, whichever is more beneficial to the user) and within 12 months of the date of purchase. Mounting and balancing of the tire is included. You pay the cost of any other service charges and applicable taxes. When more than 2/32nds of an inch of original tread has been worn (or 25% or less, whichever is more beneficial to the user) and after 12 months from the date of purchase, you must pay the cost of a comparable new replacement tire on a pro rata basis. The retailer will determine the charge by multiplying the percentage of the original usable tread worn, by the current selling price at the adjustment location or the price in the current base price List. You pay the cost of mounting, balancing and any other service charges and applicable taxes.

When the purchase receipt is not available, the 6 year warranty period commences with the DOT date found on the sidewall of each tire.

This warranty does not cover tires which become unserviceable due to road hazard injury, such as a cut, snag, bruise, impact damage, puncture or other damages such as improper maintenance, rapid or uneven wear caused by mechanical irregularity in the vehicle, accident, fire, tire alteration, etc

Our tires have a limited warranty, which covers defects in workmanship and material for the life of the original usable tread or for 6 years from date of purchase, whichever occurs first. Take the tire(s) to your local participating tire retailer and have them properly inspect the tire. Tell the tire dealer what you are experiencing so they can diagnose the problem. If you or your tire dealer have any questions please have them call us while you are there.

General Information

We do not provide road hazard coverage. In some cases tire retailers may offer and administer their own road hazard warranty programs. Typically, retailers will offer a customer the opportunity to purchase a road hazard warranty only in conjunction with the purchase of new tires. We play no role in retailer road hazard warranty programs and do not maintain any listing of retailers that offer such coverage. You may wish to contact participating dealers in your area and inquire if they would be willing to sell such coverage to you.

In the United States, the sole distributor of vintage Michelin tires is Coker Tire Co. Coker Tire specializes in tires for vintage and antique automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles. Coker Tire can be reached at 800-251-6336 or on-line at www.cokertire.com.

Please visit www.shopmichelin.com where you will find many exciting items such as the vintage Michelin Man figurine, Michelin man bobbleheads, Michelin caps, t-shirts and much more. You also may contact us at 1-877-213-4741.

Advertisement

For 17 years the baby campaign was one of the most successful advertising campaigns in the tire industry and in advertising in general, establishing Michelin's position as a tire manufactuer dedicated to safety. While Michelin still holds that valued position, the corporation wanted to address other benefits such as performance handling, durability and fuel savings. The Michelin Man was the perfect choice for a spokesperson to communicate our tires stop shorter, last longer and save fuel.

Company Information

In regards to your request, be advised that we are a global company, doing business around the world. If you are interested in exporting our products, may we suggest you contact a local wholesale/retail tire source in your area for assistance. The local distributors can be located on our website at www.michelinman.com

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing is listed on the detailed product page for each of our products. Visit the Tire Selector to find your recommended tire options.

Our passenger and light truck tires are sold through our network of retailers. We do not sell direct to the public. The selling retailer establishes pricing on tires. For current pricing on our tires please contact your local participating dealer. A listing of dealers can be found by utilizing the dealer locator link on michelinman.com or in your local Yellow Pages under the category – Tire Dealers Retail.

Tire Problems

Michelin is recalling one version of a specific size of the Michelin LTX M/S tire. These tires are typically found on such vehicles as commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small RVs and some large pickup trucks. Detailed information about the recall can be found at www.michelinman.com/safetyrecall.

Our warranty covers defects in workmanship and material for the life of the tread or 6 years, whichever comes first. We do not cover tires that are damaged as a result of road hazards, cuts, punctures, impact, etc.

Some retailers offer extended policies for road hazard injuries in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. Refer to your original sales receipt to see if such coverage applies.

No. Michelin does not recommend driving on tires without Run Flat technology. The Michelin Run Flat tires have reinforced sidewalls designed to support the load of the vehicle in case of a pressure drop and allow continued driving for up to 50 miles ( depending on road and driving conditions) at a maximum speed of 50 mph. Standard tires do not have this technology.

Road hazard damage is damage that occurs when a tire fails as a result of a puncture, bruise or break incurred during the course of normal driving on a maintained road. Nails, glass and potholes are the most common examples of road hazards.

Avoid running over objects (e.g. chuckholes, rocks, curbs, metal, glass, etc.) which may cause internal tire damage. Internal damage, not visible without demounting the tire, may be caused when a tire runs over an object. Continued use of a tire that has suffered internal damage (which may not be externally visible) can lead to dangerous tire failure. Determination of suspected internal damage requires demounting the tire from its rim and examination by a trained tire personnel.

If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any groove or if cord material or under tread is exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient tread remains, verify proper rim width and vehicle fitment as well as verify/adjust inflation pressures, then rotate the tires for maximum wear.

When the shoulder of the tread on one side of a tire wears faster than the adjacent tread surface, this can result from a variety of conditions, such as front and/or rear misalignment (example, toe or camber), loose or worn suspension components, hard cornering, improper tire rotation practices, misapplication, high crown roads or non-uniform mounting.

If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any groove or if either cord or under tread is exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient tread remains, verify that the tire has been properly mounted, then rotate the tires for maximum wear.

When tread is worn in one or more spots around the tire circumference, this can indicate brake lock/skid, improper balance, localized underlying separation, loose/worn suspension components, improper bead seating/mounting, progression from initial tread cut/chip/road hazard injury or chemical contamination. Surface texture may have initially shown abrasion marks from the tire sliding on the road, but the surface may have since worn smooth.

When the tires with a flat spot are used in a dual application, you may consider rotating one tire 180 degrees in relation to the flat spot on the other tire.

If the tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any groove or if either cord or under tread is exposed, the tire must be replaced.

When the cause of the flat spot is not apparent, your tire dealer should contact our Consumer Care Department.

Feathering is a condition when the edge of each tread rib develops a slightly rounded edge on one side and a sharp edge on the other. The most common causes of feathering are incorrect toe-in setting or deteriorated bushings in the front suspension. The toe setting should be as close to 0 as possible for the optimum wear.

The tires should be inflated to the pressure as indicated on the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. The vehicle manufacturer has determined this pressure is optimal for load, ride, handling, rolling resistance and tread wear performance.

The brownish color on the sidewall of your tires is not a defect. The source of this discoloration can be varied. One possibility is that the tires contain an anti-ozone agent in their rubber compounds to slow down the ill effects of exposure to ozone in the air. This anti-ozone ingredient will migrate to the surface of the rubber and leave the appearance of a brownish dust. This is completely normal and technically is no cause for concern. In time, depending on usage, it will disappear.

Other possibilities for discoloration can be simply dust that is picked up from normal driving or brake dust which is generated by the abrasion of the brake pads against the brake rotor. This latter condition is more prevalent when the brakes are new or have recently been relined. In all cases, we recommend that you continue to clean your tires with a mild soap and water.

Treadwear or life expectancy is determined by many factors:
Driving habits and style of driving, geographical location, type of vehicle, type of tire, how vehicle is maintained, how tires are maintained, etc.

As a result, mileage expectancy is impossible to determine.

Our Limited Warranty covers defects in workmanship and material for the life of the tread or 6 years from the original date of purchase, whichever occurs first. We offer no mileage warranty on the tires that were originally equipped on your vehicle.

We suggest that you have the tires/vehicle inspected by a participating tire retailer in your area to determine if there is perhaps a mechanical or maintenance issue that could be contributing to a rapid or irregular wear pattern.

Your satisfaction is important to us. Please have the dealer contact us with the tire inspection as we are willing to offer you assistance with your concern

The condition, sometimes referred to as sidewall undulations, is a common characteristic of radial tire construction and are purely a visual characteristic and will not affect the performance of the tire. These indentations are more noticeable in larger/wider radial-ply tire sizes and become more visible with higher inflation pressures. The joining of the ply material in the sidewall area may cause a slight indentation or wavy appearance on the sidewall surface of the tire when it is inflated. However, if bulges, rather than indentations appear on the sidewall of the tire, or if there is any question concerning any sidewall indentations, please contact a tire dealer for a tire inspection.

Noise is most commonly due to an uneven or irregular wear pattern that has developed on the tires.

We suggest that you have the tires inspected by a participating tire retailer in your area. To find the dealers near you, refer to the Yellow Pages of your telephone book or utilize the Dealer Locator on our website.

If the tire's tread depth is at or below 2/32" in any groove or if cord material or under tread is exposed, the tire must be replaced. If sufficient tread remains, verify proper rim width and vehicle fitment as well as verify/adjust inflation pressures, then rotate the tires for maximum wear.

A separation between the tread rubber and the underlying belt may be the result of cumulative poor inflation maintenance, improper inflation pressure, repair or storage, excessive load, speed or heat, prior impact damage, tread cut or puncture or run flat.

A tire exhibiting this condition should be permanently removed from service.

The tire industry refers to tires in this condition as "run flat" which refers to a tire that has lost air, whether it is from a slow loss or an immediate loss, and then subsequently run on. As the tire continues to operate or "run" with significant amount of air loss, it reaches the "runflat" stage, where serious internal damage is caused by the excessive deflection of the casing. If the air loss continues, the inside of the deflected sidewall can actually rub against itself. When the internal abrasion weakens the casing sufficiently a blowout can occur. Additional damage is often done by the relatively sharp rim flange cutting into the fully deflated casing as it is driven after the blowout, even in the short distance it takes to drive the vehicle to the side of the road.

We are not indicating that the tire was not maintained, but simply that it lost air. Some of the many factors which can cause a tire to lose its inflated air pressure are penetrations, cuts, snags, impact breaks, valve stem leaks, incorrect mounting, just to name a few. While it may not be possible to pinpoint the cause of initial air loss, we know the outcome is underinflation damage

The life of a tire cannot be measured by miles alone. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.

It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.

While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.

The warranty covers defects in workmanship and material for the life of the tread or 6 years from the date of purchase, whichever occurs first. With no proof of purchase, the warranty period is for 6 years from the date of manufacture (this is indicated in the DOT # on the sidewall).

Cupping can be attributed to bent or worn suspension parts, wheel misalignment, an imbalance of the tire/wheel assembly, etc. Once this type of wear pattern has occurred, it is irreversible and the tires will continue to wear unevenly.

Vibration is an indication that your car has a problem that needs attention. The tires, steering system and suspension system should be checked to help determine the possible cause and correction of the vibration. If left unattended, the vibration could cause excessive tire and suspension wear. It could even be dangerous. Authorized Dealers offer expert diagnosis and repair

An inspection of your tires must be performed by a participating Michelin dealer. Once the dealer has had the opportunity to inspect your tires, inform him that you have been instructed by Michelin to request they contact us at 1-800-847-3435 to discuss their findings "while you are there".
Factors that can affect rapid tire life are:

Incorrect alignment settings can adversely affect handling. Tolerable camber, caster and toe settings can be verified by a print-out from your alignment/tire shop or vehicle dealer.

If the tires are evenly worn, the alignment is in order and there is still a pull, the front tires should be criss-crossed (as long as they are not a directional tread design) to see if the pull changes directions.

Cord material may become visible at the base of tread grooves or slots due to under inflation, misalignment, loose/worn suspension components, hard cornering, improper tire rotation practices, misapplication, high crown road or non-uniform mounting.

If cord material is visible, the tire must be replaced.

PAX System®

PAX System® is an innovative tire and wheel assembly consisting of four components: tire, support ring, wheel, and tire pressure monitoring system. It is a breakthrough runflat technology designed to, first, help keep you safe by offering you added protection from the dangers of a blowout and changing a tire on the road, and second, make driving more convenient by lessening the hassles and delays of a flat tire. The most fundamental difference between PAX System and traditional tire and wheel assemblies is that a PAX System tire is designed to not separate from the rim, even with the occurrence of a sudden flat at high speed under normal driving conditions. The inner support ring also offers exceptional maneuverability and control in the event of a blowout. And, should a flat occur, PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph.

Direct measurement tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) measure the temperature and pressure of each tire at regular intervals. The sensors transfer information to an electronic control unit that warns a driver in real time via a dashboard display of any pressure loss in each tire.

PAX System is designed to allow a vehicle, under normal operating conditions, to be driven safely with a flat tire up to 125 miles at speeds no higher than 55 mph. Driving within those parameters should allow the tire to be repaired and returned to service.

PAX System-equipped vehicles are specifically designed and tuned to feature PAX System, so it is not recommended to replace PAX System with another tire-wheel assembly. In fact, such a change may void the vehicle's warranty, even if the tire-wheel assembly is only substituted for a short time.

Michelin has provided vehicle manufacturers with a comprehensive package of information describing the operation, features, and benefits of PAX System. It also has established a toll-free assistance line (1-877-PAX-TIRE) for consumers who own PAX System-equipped vehicles.

It actually started in 1997 as PAV, a technical abbreviation describing this new, vertically anchored tire. With a traditional tire, inflation pressure helps hold the tire to the rim. The innovative anchoring mechanism of PAX System is designed to not separate from the rim and actually improves its hold when vertical loads are applied to the tire. By 1998, PAV was renamed PAX System, which translates to the values of peace of mind, safety, and the future. When it comes to safety, PAX System is way ahead of traditional tire and wheel assemblies. The most fundamental difference between the two is that a PAX System tire is designed to not separate from the rim, even with the occurrence of a sudden flat at high speeds under normal driving conditions. And, should a flat occur, PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph, which means you're less likely to be stranded on the side of the road.

Conventional runflat tires compromise ride quality because they rely on a low profile and stiff sidewalls to shoulder the load when air pressure is lost. Thanks to the support ring, PAX System can adopt a low profile - which is ideal for excellent handling - while maintaining more flexible sidewalls; this is the key to a comfortable ride under normal driving conditions.

Weights will vary depending on model and depending on size of wheel and tire. In general, four PAX System assemblies are equal to the weight of 4.7 standard tire-wheel assemblies. PAX System eliminates the need for a spare tire and/or wheel, which makes the overall weight of PAX System assemblies virtually equal to that of standard tire/wheel assemblies.

The driver should maintain control of the vehicle and reduce speed to 55 mph or lower. PAX System allows for the vehicle to be driven up to 125 miles at 55 mph. As soon as possible, the driver should stop the vehicle in a safe place and inspect the tire. Once it is confirmed that there is a flat, the driver should call 1-877-PAX-TIRE toll-free and s/he will be directed either to a car dealer or to a Michelin-authorized servicing dealer for assistance.

These recommendations are based upon a number of factors and handled individually. The consumer is usually sent to the closest service point - either a Michelin-authorized tire servicing dealer or a car dealer. But with each call, the objective is to achieve the highest possible level of consumer satisfaction.

In some cases, the vehicle dealer may also be an authorized PAX System servicing location and will be able to perform repairs. For complete information on what constitutes a warranty replacement, please see the warranty for details.

The PAX System Assurance Plan was discontinued effective July 1, 2010. If the tire, wheel and support ring are damaged due to a road hazard, mechanical irregularity, vandalism, abuse, or anything beyond the control of the manufacturer, the consumer would be responsible for the purchase of these parts. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is also not covered by Michelin and is subject to the conditions specified in the vehicle warranty manual.

The repair of MICHELIN® PAX System requires special mounting equipment, replacement parts and technical training. Any intervention or repair on the MICHELIN® PAX System tire or assembly (other than an ordinary air pressure check and correction) needs to be referred to a MICHELIN® PAX System authorized servicing dealer which can also be a car dealer. The use of cord plugs and/or sealants in attempting to repair a MICHELIN® PAX System tire will immediately void the warranty and may result in internal parts malfunction.

Consumers can either have their PAX System tire repaired at a car dealer who sells PAX System-equipped vehicles or repaired at a Michelin-authorized servicing dealer. There are a number of Michelin dealers and car dealers that are authorized servicing dealers nationwide with the appropriate PAX System-capable mounting/demounting equipment. In order to find the closest dealer, consumers should call toll-free 1-877-PAX-TIRE or visit Michelin's Tire Dealer Locator (be sure to select “Carries PAX Products” to refine your search).

When a consumer calls the toll-free number, 1-877-PAX-TIRE, Michelin will advise the consumer on how to service their PAX System tire. If a car dealer or a Michelin- authorized servicing dealer is not within the recommended driving range for a deflated tire, Michelin will direct the consumer to drive to a safe location and then initiate a rapid-response delivery plan, rushing a complete PAX System wheel/tire assembly to that location within 12 hours of notification of the service request.

No. PAX System tires that are worn out are replaced just like traditional tires. However, these tires should only be replaced at a Michelin PAX System authorized servicing dealer with the appropriate PAX System-capable mounting/demounting equipment.

No, the support ring is designed to be used in several runflat events. It can be returned to service after being inspected for wear or damage once the tire is repaired or replaced. Should it need to be replaced during the first two years or 50% of tread life, it will be replaced at no charge, if damaged or worn due to a road hazard.

Michelin is currently working with AAA and others to make sure they understand how to handle PAX System in the field. This includes knowing that 1-877-PAX-TIRE is available 24/7 for service locations and information.

The PAX System is covered by the Michelin Passenger and Light Truck Tire Limited Warranty which covers manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials for six years, or until the tires wear out, whichever comes first. If a tire is determined adjustable under the terms of this warranty, the tires are replaced at no charge during the first 25% of wear and the first 12 months of use. After 25% wear and 12 months, the tires are pro rated, based on remaining tread depth.